Tesla Model Y Premium vs Performance: Which One is Best for You?

Saudi Arabia: The Tesla Model Y is one of the most popular electric SUVs globally. The brand is continuously expanding its presence in the KSA too, with the opening of new showrooms and the expansion of the supercharger network. They recently launched the Model Y Performance, the fourth Tesla Model Y trim with varied power, speed, exterior styling, and price. This might make it a little hard for you to choose if you are planning to buy a Model Y in Saudi Arabia. Because both versions offer the same basic Model Y experience, but they are designed for different types of drivers. The Performance is the only variant that offers a different driving character. 

The Four Variants at a Glance

Variant	Purchase price	Range	0 to 100 km/h	Top speed	Wheels
Premium Rear-Wheel Drive	SAR 193,490	500 km WLTP	5.9 s	201 km/h	19" Crossflow
Premium Long Range RWD	SAR 203,490	669 km est.	5.6 s	201 km/h	19" Crossflow
Premium Long Range AWD	SAR 223,490	600 km WLTP	4.8 s	201 km/h	19" Crossflow
Performance AWD	SAR 258,490	580 km WLTP	3.5 s	250 km/h	21" Arachnid 2.0

 

Tesla Model Y Price

Variant	Vehicle price	Destination and doc fee	Purchase price	VAT included
Premium RWD	SAR 189,990	SAR 3,500	SAR 193,490	SAR 25,237.83
Premium LR RWD	SAR 199,990	SAR 3,500	SAR 203,490	SAR 26,542.17
Premium LR AWD	SAR 219,990	SAR 3,500	SAR 223,490	SAR 29,150.87
Performance AWD	SAR 254,990	SAR 3,500	SAR 258,490	SAR 33,716.09

 

Range Across the Lineup

The fastest Model Y is not the one with the longest range:

• Premium Long Range RWD: 669 km
• Premium Long Range AWD: 600 km
• Performance AWD: 580 km
• Premium RWD: 500 km

The Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive at SAR 203,490 has 89 km more range than the Performance at SAR 258,490. This saves you SAR 55,000 if your priority is the longest range. For most buyers, that extra range matters more than saving a second in 0 to 100 km/h

What the Performance Adds

The Model Y Premium comes with the:

• Panoramic glass roof with acoustic glass throughout the cabin
• 8-inch rear touchscreen
• Power-reclining second-row seats
• Advanced driver assistance features
• Over-the-air software updates

The Performance then adds:

Powertrain and chassis

• 460 HP with a performance drive unit
• New springs, stabilizer bars and bushings
• Adaptive suspension designed in-house with a new control algorithm
• Customizable drive modes affecting suspension, stability assist and traction

Exterior

• 21-inch Arachnid 2.0 staggered forged wheels with aero covers
• Performance Red brake calipers
• Carbon fibre spoiler
• Specific front and rear fascia
• Glossy black finishes on fascias and mirror caps

Interior

• 16-inch first-row touchscreen
• 16-speaker premium audio
• Front-row Performance seats with powered thigh extenders
• Micro suede and carbon fibre décor
• Aluminium pedals

Which One Is Best for You?

If you want the lowest entry point in the Model Y lineup, then choose Premium Rear-Wheel Drive at SAR 193,490. At this price, it offers Autopilot, the panoramic glass roof, power-reclining second-row seats, and the same 201 km/h top speed. Still, the lowest 500 km range is the compromise. 

If you want the longest range, then Premium Long Range RWD at SAR 203,490 gets you 169 km more range. It just costs SAR 10,000 more than the base. 

If all-wheel drive is your requirement, then go for the Long Range AWD at SAR 223,490. It reaches 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. 

The Performance AWD at SAR 258,490 is the best for driving experience.  For the extra SAR 35,000 over the Long Range AWD, you get 1.3 seconds to 100 km/h, a 49 km/h higher top speed, adaptive suspension, the 16-inch screen, and 16-speaker audio, but up to 20 km of low range. But deliveries for Performance will start in April 2027.

Also Read: Tesla Model Y Performance Debuts in Saudi Arabia as Kingdom's Fourth Trim